The Department of Rural Economics at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Patna, offers a specialized and highly relevant
academic program focused on understanding the economic dynamics of rural India, with particular emphasis on the agrarian
economy of Bihar. The curriculum explores critical themes such as agricultural production, rural livelihoods, farm
management, rural industrialization, migration, credit systems, and the impact of government policies on rural
development. Situated in a state where a significant portion of the population depends on agriculture and allied
activities, the department provides students with a real-world context to analyze challenges and opportunities in rural
economies. Through fieldwork, case studies, and interaction with local communities, students gain practical insights
into issues like poverty, sustainability, and market access. The program aims to produce development professionals,
policy analysts, and researchers capable of contributing to inclusive and sustainable rural transformation.
The Department of Rural Economics at B.D. College, Patna, stands out for its deeply contextual and applied approach to
addressing the socio-economic issues of rural Bihar and India. Its strength lies in its grassroots
connectivity—leveraging the college’s location to offer students firsthand exposure to rural economies, agricultural
practices, and development initiatives. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical research,
encouraging students to engage in surveys, projects, and internships with NGOs, government bodies, and agricultural
cooperatives. This practical orientation helps students develop skills in data analysis, policy evaluation, and program
management. The department also fosters critical thinking around contemporary issues such as digitalization in
agriculture, climate resilience, and rural entrepreneurship. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in rural
development agencies, agricultural finance, public policy, research institutions, and civil services, especially in
roles focused on agrarian and rural welfare.
The Department of Rural Economics at Bhuwaneshwari Dayal College, Patna, is dedicated to the advanced study of economic
systems and development challenges in rural areas. The program offers a structured curriculum covering agricultural
economics, rural resource management, development policy, and sustainable livelihoods. With a focus on empirical
research and field-based learning, the department equips students with the analytical tools needed to address issues
such as productivity, equity, and governance in rural contexts. Supported by experienced faculty and collaborations with
development organizations, the department prepares graduates for impactful careers in rural development, agricultural
consulting, policy analysis, and academic research.
Infrastructure Support for Department of Rural Economics
Bhuwaneshwari Dayal (B.D.) College, Mithapur, Patna, Bihar
1. Academic Infrastructure
The Department of Rural Economics operates from a dedicated two-story academic block designed to support
field-based
learning and research. The infrastructure includes:
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Four smart classrooms with rural data visualization systems
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A 80-seat seminar hall with video conferencing facilities
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Faculty research rooms with field data processing capabilities
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Department office with GIS mapping station
2. Specialized Laboratories
Rural Data Analysis Lab:
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20 computer workstations with statistical software (SPSS, STATA, R)
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Primary data processing and cleaning facilities
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Survey data digitization scanners
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Rural economic database management system
Field Research Equipment Center:
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Mobile data collection kits (tablets with ODK)
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GPS devices for field mapping
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Soil testing and water quality assessment kits
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Agricultural productivity measurement tools
Manuscript Studies Laboratory:
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Digital scanning equipment for fragile documents
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UV and infrared imaging systems
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Paper conservation and restoration tools
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Paleography analysis workstations
3. Technology Infrastructure
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High-speed internet connectivity with rural network optimization
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Cloud-based data storage for field research
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Video conferencing for remote village connectivity
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Mobile research application development platform
4. Rural Economic Research Center
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Primary survey design and testing facility
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Focus group discussion recording equipment
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Rural market price monitoring system
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Weather and agricultural data integration terminal
5. Fieldwork Support
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Four field vehicles for village visits
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Mobile research station for extended fieldwork
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Village stay facilities for longitudinal studies
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Emergency communication systems for remote areas
6. Demonstration and Training Facilities
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Agricultural extension demonstration plot
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Rural technology testing unit
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Microenterprise development showcase area
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Water conservation and management models
7. Library and Digital Resources
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Specialized collection on rural economics (1,000+ volumes)
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Access to NSSO and census data repositories
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Digital archive of village case studies
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Subscription to rural development journals
8. Computational Resources
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Rural economic modeling software
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Satellite imagery analysis workstations
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Climate change impact assessment tools
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Resource mapping software
9. Collaboration Spaces
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Village entrepreneur meeting room
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Government scheme implementation discussion area
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Farmer-producer organization interaction space
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Multi-stakeholder consultation facility
10. Safety and Field Support
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First aid and emergency medical kits for fieldwork
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All-terrain communication devices
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Weather monitoring and alert systems
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Field research safety protocol center
11. Community Engagement Infrastructure
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Village resource center partnership network
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Farmer field school collaboration unit
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Self-help group meeting facilities
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Gram panchayat consultation room
12. Unique Features
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Rural innovation incubation center
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Agricultural value chain analysis unit
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Farm produce storage and marketing lab
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Rural infrastructure development models
This infrastructure enables the department to:
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Conduct empirical research in rural economics
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Provide practical field training to students
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Support evidence-based policy formulation
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Facilitate community-university interaction
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Address Bihar-specific rural economic issues
The department's infrastructure specifically focuses on:
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Agricultural economics of the Gangetic plain
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Rural livelihood diversification
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MGNREGA implementation studies
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Farmer income enhancement strategies
Current Initiatives:
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Digital village mapping project
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Farmer producer company establishment support
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Rural market infrastructure studies
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Agricultural technology adoption research
The infrastructure supports the department's mission to become a center of excellence in rural economics
research while
maintaining strong connections with farming communities and contributing to rural development policy
formulation.
Special Features:
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Real-time agricultural price monitoring system
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Weather-based advisory services unit
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Rural infrastructure assessment tools
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Village-level database development
This comprehensive infrastructure enables the department to bridge academic research with ground-level rural
economic
realities, making it particularly relevant for Bihar's agricultural economy and rural development
challenges.
Number of Seats in U.G. : 10